for car enthusiasts

How to Make Sure You Buy a Good Used Car

Buying a used car is an excellent way to save some money on your new vehicle. Most people buy a used car as their first car once they’ve passed their driving test. Many drivers never buy a brand new car, preferring to save money and always buy used. But buying a used car can be a risky business, especially if you buy from someone privately. You might not know enough about cars to check everything yourself, and not everyone has a friend or family member who can help. You need to be careful about what you buy. You could be buying a heap of junk, or even a stolen car. How do you make sure you’re not being taken for a ride?

Choose an Approved Dealer

One way to guarantee a quality used car is to choose a dealer approved by the manufacturer. If you’re looking for a specific make or model, you can be sure that an approved dealer will only sell cars that are up to standard.

Choose Any Dealer

Going to a used car dealer is always going to guarantee you a better car than buying privately. When you don’t have a specific make in mind, choose a dealer like Jay New Nelson where all cars are inspected thoroughly. You know that the dealership has already done all the necessary checks, so you don’t have to spend so long looking the car over. You should still inspect the car yourself, but you’re less likely to find anything wrong.

Do Your Research

You can usually look at a dealership’s website before visiting in person. Have a look at the cars available and research the ones you like the look of. Read about the make, the model, what owners say about the car and any potential issues you might come across. Buying a car is a big purchase, whether it’s used or not, so you want to be sure you’re making a sound investment. Researching beforehand will help you know what to look for when you visit a dealership. You’ll also be able to ask to see specific cars.

Inspect the Vehicle

You don’t need to know a lot about cars to check a few basic things. If you go to a quality dealership, the cars will be inspected anyway, but you’ll want to check that their word is reliable. The first thing you can do is crouch down by the front bumper and check down the lines of the car to make sure they’re straight. This will help to show up and bumps, dents or warped pieces. Check for rust under the car and check the fluids. The brake fluid should be clear or yellowish, coolant should be clear and transmission fluid red or purple. Make sure there are no cracks in the belts and hoses.

If you still don’t feel confident going to buy a used car on your own, take someone else with you. You’ll be less likely to be taken advantage of with back-up.